Fundraiser FAQ

Registering as a Professional Fundraiser or Professional Fundraising Counsel

Q. Who must register?

Any person who is paid to solicit contributions (a professional solicitor) or to give advice about fund raising (a professional fundraising counsel) for charities soliciting in West Virginia is required to register.

Q. Does each person in my company have to register?

The company may register all persons working under their direction (including officers, agents, servants and employees) with one registration, providing the name of each person is listed in the application.

Q. How long is the registration valid?

The registration is valid for one year, and can be renewed for additional one-year periods.

Q. What is the annual fee?

Q. Is a bond required?

Yes, a $10,000 bond is required, and must be made on the form provided by the Secretary of State.

Q. If we are starting a new professional fundraising company or professional fundraising counsel in West Virginia, are there other registration requirements?

Yes. Any person or company establishing a business in West Virginia must first complete the business registration requirements.

If your organization will be a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, voluntary association or business trust, you must first file with the Business Division, then obtain a business license from the State Tax Department.

If you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you must obtain a business license from the State Tax Department.

Q. If we are already organized in another state but plan to solicit in West Virginia, are there other registration requirements?

Possibly, depending on how you do business in the state.

If your organization is a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, voluntary association or business trust, you must apply for a certificate of authority if your organization will have any physical presence in the state, even for a short time. See our Business Division page for more information. If the certificate of authority is required, registration with the State Tax Department is also required.

If you are operating as a sole proprietorship or general partnership and will have any physical presence in the state, registration with the State Tax Department is still required.